Parent Newsletter-September 2012

September 2012

Each day your student has the opportunity to work with and learn from dedicated, esteemed faculty. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Just last week, Beloit was noted as a best value with a strong commitment to teaching, among other things, in the annual U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of “Best Colleges.” Check out the full listing of rankings. And, not only will your student experience the best at Beloit, there’s a good possibility they’ll change lives. Beloit was once again counted as one of the “Colleges That Changes Lives.”

This fall, students have already had life-changing experiences made available to them through gallery talks with distinguished experts, and lectures made possible through programs such as the Weissberg Program in Human Rights. And throughout the semester, the opportunities abound. They can enjoy readings from fiction writers, French Film festivals, lectures from esteemed guests like the 2012 Upton Scholar Timur Kuran, athletic events, plays, concerts, exhibits, and so much more. We’re excited to have your student on campus and look forward to a great fall semester full of excitement, engagement, and transformational learning.

Welcome to the Beloit familyIt has been just about a month now since your student packed up their clothes, electronics, shower shoes, and new Beloit sweatshirt and began a new journey on campus. And, no doubt, your student has firmly embraced the title “Beloiter.” Our family has expanded, and not only to include your student, but you as well. We are all Beloiters, and we hope that you will feel just as much a part of the excitement and adventure as your student does. We look forward to welcoming you to campus events and sharing the latest about what’s going on in our community. Welcome to Beloit.

Family Weekend is September 28-30
Spend a weekend with your favorite Beloiter! A fun-filled schedule has been planned, and there will still be time to take care of all of the necessities (groceries, dinner out, laundry)! So, tailgate, watch the parade, meet faculty, hear from President Bierman, enjoy time with your student—register today for Family & Friends Weekend.

Changes in Student Financial ServicesBeloit College celebrated Jane Hessian’s 34 years of service as director of financial aid this summer—a bittersweet celebration it was as Jane has now retired from the college. We shall miss her counsel and good cheer. A familiar face has joined the staff in Pearson’s Hall: Jon Urish, formerly senior associate director of admissions, is now director of student financial services. Understanding the important role financial aid plays in the life of a Beloit College student, Jon will be working to strengthen the intersections of financial aid with the registrar, accounting, and residential life offices to streamline communications and improve financial literacy among our students. You can reach the office of student financial services at 608.363.2663 or email faoffice@beloit.edu.

The Admissions staff begins the new recruitment cycle with an ambitious goal: increase applications by 10 percent. This comes at a time when the number of high school graduates continues to decline and competition for well-qualified students has increased substantially. We can reach our goal with your help. Keep Beloit College in your conversations with friends and neighbors. Spreading the word about Beloit’s distinctive place in the world of higher education goes a great distance in building awareness and reputation of the college. Refer a student to Beloit. Now that you are an experienced parent of a college student, you are likely to be consulted about the college search process. A list of suggestions for you to promote Beloit College can be found here. Questions? Contact Kate Virgo in the admissions office. Thank you for joining the ranks of Beloit Ambassadors.

Liberal Arts in Practice Center offers new tool to connect to opportunityBeloit continues to nurture opportunities for students to explore and apply classroom learning to enriching experiences outside of the classroom. And the Liberal Arts in Practice Center (LAPC) has a new way to assist: the Liberal Arts in Practice Toolbox. So whether your student is looking for an internship, a job, or volunteer opportunity, this tool is yet another great way for Beloiters to seek and find opportunities to put their dreams into motion.

If you or your company has internship, job, or volunteer opportunities to offer Beloiters like your student, please do submit them here.

Parents take lead on improving campus facade
The May newsletter outlined a few of the changes that were made as a result of generous gifts to the Renewing the Historic Core initiative. Thank you to all who have supported these impactful changes. This summer, the portico and plaza in front of Middle College was completely redone with much-needed handicap accessible ramps added. New way-finding signs in front of the World Affairs Center and at the intersection of Emerson and College were also a part of the summer’s work. Finally, several living spaces were improved with new carpeting, new furniture, and fresh paint. Take a look at the transformation! Included are a few images of the commons renovation that took place in collaboration with our new food service vendor, Bon Appetit.

Sniff, sniff
The seasons are changing, and with that, the first fall cold could be right around the corner for your student. And although you’d like to be there to comfort, your student’s roommate may not be too keen on it! Here’s how you can help from afar: First, if your student is in need of more care than rest and a box of Kleenex, remind them that they can visit the Health Center. Consider sending a ‘feel better’ kit. Include items such as Kleenex, comfortable pants and cozy socks, soup, a favorite childhood comfort such as a special mug, and a crossword, deck of cards, or magazine. Be creative and both you and your student will get through the sniffles.

Important dates to remember:
September 28-30: Family & Friends Weekend
October 13-21: Mid-term break
October 24: Spring Honors Term applications due
October 31: Advising Practicum
November 14: International Symposium Day
November 22-25: Thanksgiving break
December 1: Last day to cancel spring residence hall contract without penalty
December 12: Last day of classes
December 13: Study Day
December 14-15: Exam Days
December 16: Study Day
December 17-18: Exam Days
December 19: Residence halls close for all students